steve grand

He introduced us all to the gorgeous “All-American Boy” with the release of his debut single, got us to “Stay” with the country/pop vibe of his second, and now out, talented and honest country star Steve Grand takes us “Back to California” with the release of the touching visual for his third original single.

The new single takes a different, moodier approach to Grand‘s work than did his previous releases. Said to explore “the disillusionment of young adulthood and the intensity of adolescent friendship”, the song and music video showcase the bonds between friends who stick by each other’s side through thick and thin. Scenes of a younger Grand and a female companion are shown as their initial relationship seems to be based on false pretenses as the artist struggles with inner troubles surrounding his sexuality.

I was always kind of awkward, you never seemed to mind, just two kids in high school, what could we have known about love?,” Grand sings just before admitting to never finding a better friend than the one he left behind. The artist continues to reminisce about his younger years, how getting older hurts, and his desire for things to go back to the way they were when in California.

The new country-influenced single is a soaring triumph for Grand. The music video does a swell job at continuing the out artist’s fight to change the misconception of what a country artist should be. Grand‘s powerful vocal presence screams for mainstream radio exposure and success, “Back to California” can help him achieve that feat. With a somber story line, traditional country instrumentals and a charming smile, it would not be a surprise to see the newly released track on the radio very soon.

Back to California” is set to be featured on Grand’s upcoming 12-track debut album, All-American Boy, out this May. To help get the project off the ground, the talented artist has started a Kickstarter campaign in order to raise the $81,000 necessary for recording, packaging and the filming of his next music video, planned to coincide with the release of the album.